What is an Illinois certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Illinois Secretary of State before doing business in Illinois. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for an Illinois certificate of authority. Doing so registers the business as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to incorporate a new entity.
Operating without a certificate of authority may result in penalties or fines. In addition to the state’s requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors will often request a certificate of authority.
When do I need a certificate of authority?
The most common reasons for applying for a certificate of authority include:
- Opening an office or physical location within the foreign state
- Hiring an employee who resides within the state
- Before beginning a contract or a job in a new state
- A vendor or bank’s requirements
- Licensing authority requirements
How do I get an Illinois certificate of authority?
To obtain your Illinois Certificate of Authority, you will submit an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with required certificates or certified copies from your home state. You will need to appoint a registered agent in order for your filing to be approved. Be sure to follow the state’s instructions carefully, as they can reject a document for the smallest error.
For Foreign Corporations:
| Agency: | Illinois Secretary of State - Business Services Department |
| Form: | Form BCA 13.15: Application for Authority to Transact Business in Illinois |
| Filing Method: | Mail or in-person. |
| Agency Fee: | $150 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments and mergers dated within the last 90 days. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Illinois Secretary of State - Business Services Department |
| Form: | Form LLC 45.5: Application for Admission to Transact Business |
| Filing Method: | Mail or in-person. |
| Agency Fee: | $150 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing, or certificate of existence dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | Illinois Secretary of State - Business Services Department |
| Form: | Form NFP 113.15: Application for Authority to Conduct Affairs in Illinois |
| Filing Method: | Mail or in-person. |
| Agency Fee: | $50 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments and mergers dated within the last 90 days. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Professional Corporations:
| Agency: | Illinois Secretary of State - Business Services Department |
| Form: | Form BCA 13.15: Application for Authority to Transact Business in Illinois |
| Filing Method: | Mail or in-person. |
| Agency Fee: | $150 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments and mergers dated within the last 90 days. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
For Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:
What do I need from my home state?
In order to obtain an Illinois Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
- Limited Liability Company: Certificate of good standing, or certificate of existence dated within 60 days.
- Corporation: Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments and mergers dated within 90 days
- Limited Partnership: If a General Partner listed is an entity not registered or qualified in Illinois, a Certificate of existence or certificate of good standing dated within 30 days is required.
- Limited Liability Partnership: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 30 days.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments and mergers dated within 90 days
- Professional Corporation: Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments and mergers dated within 90 days
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your Illinois Certificate of Authority application, you must list a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).
Many businesses do not have an individual or physical address in a new state. Listing our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, you get same day document scanning from our local office in all 50 states and DC. Our registered agent service is a flat rate of $99 per year, and you can easily add our service to any certificate of authority order.
What is the contact information for the state?
Illinois Secretary of State - Business Services DepartmentPhysical Address:
69 W. Washington St., Ste. 1240
Chicago, IL 60602
Mailing Address:
501 S. Second St., Rm. 350
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: (312) 793-3380
Website: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/business_services/home.html
Name Search: https://apps.ilsos.gov/businessentitysearch/
Forms: https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/business_services/
